Chris Sutton predicts what the score will be between Southampton and Newcastle United

Add as preferred source on Google

Chris Sutton says talk of Newcastle United being in the title race is over, as he predicts the Magpies’ game against Southampton.

Eddie Howe’s side have been the in-form team, winning nine games in a row in all competitions. The run did not extend to 10 though, as Newcastle lost to Bournemouth last week.

Before that game, the likes of Alan Shearer said Newcastle were in the title race. It all seemed a bit much, despite the glorious run of form.

Now the title talk has ended, as the Magpies prepare to face Southampton – a side with different aspirations. They are at the opposite end of the Premier League table, and will need a miracle to avoid relegation.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
18	IpswichIpswich	22	3	7	12	20	43	-23	16
19	LeicesterLeicester	22	3	5	14	23	48	-25	14
20	SouthamptonSouthampton	22	1	3	18	15	50	-35	6

Chris Sutton predicts Southampton vs Newcastle United

Sadly for the Saints, Chris Sutton does not expect that miracle to start on Saturday at home to Newcastle United.

As part of his Premier League predictions for BBC Sport, Sutton has said that Newcastle will beat Southampton at St Mary’s.

“All the talk before Newcastle played Bournemouth was whether Eddie Howe’s side could push Liverpool in the title race, but that talk has stopped since they lost 4-1,” he said.

“They are still right in the mix for a top-four finish, but it is important for them to quickly get back to winning ways – and this seems like a good game for them to do that.

“Southampton have made a decent fist of it in their past two games, against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, but they still ended up losing both of them.

“Let’s face it, they are as good as down. Their situation is so bad that, when we spoke about the relegation battle on this week’s Monday Night Club, we didn’t even mention them – the assumption is that they are already gone.

“Their main aim now is to avoid going down with the lowest points tally in Premier League history.”

Sutton’s prediction: Southampton 0 Newcastle United 2

Newcastle United’s recent record against Southampton

Nick Pope is an injury doubt for the game against Southampton, with the 32-year-old not spotted back in training. Therefore, Martin Dubravka features in our predicted Newcastle XI.

Irrespective of the goalkeeper situation, Newcastle are understandably the favourites for this weekend’s game. The Magpies are sixth in the table, while Ivan Juric’s side are 20th with just six points from 22 games. They have only won one game all season, despite some spirited displays.

The form book dictates that this should be a comfortable win for Eddie Howe’s side, but there are no guarantees. This will still be a challenge, despite Newcastle boasting a very strong record against Southampton.

The Magpies have won their last six games against Southampton in all competitions.

In fact, Newcastle have only lost once in their previous 15 games against the Saints. During that period, Newcastle have won 11 and drawn three.

When you combine current form and recent history, it is easy to see why most pundits are predicting that Newcastle United will return to Tyneside with all three points.